1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond 3.1 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
One to avoid
Faults:
Hydraulic clutch failure (3 times), twice under warranty.
Shattered back brakes.
Radiator rupture causing cylinder head to crack and damage to piston bores.
Interior plastic nut and bolt covers fall off.
Seat belt damage.
Interior door lining ruptured due to non retration of seat belts.
Electric windows stick.
All these problems inside 60,000 miles.
General Comments:
While this is a very solid comfortable car we have experienced no end of problems with the vehicle.
Whenever there is a fault it is very expensive to have it repaired. Costs of spare parts seem to be at least 50% more than other manufacturers.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th June, 2000
15th May 2003, 02:51
I have owned a 3.2V6 petrol Ltd diamond N reg for 18 months It had 108,000 mile on the clock when I bought it, but was otherwise in immaculate condition. I use it to tow a caravan which it does brilliantly, as a family bus as it can seat seven people in comfort, and as a truck as it can hold lots of DIY/building materials or rubbish to the skip when the need arises.
The fuel consumption is about 20mpg, but a gas conversion with any decent range was too expensive.
The only faults have been:
1. A seized viscous coupling on the fan which I replaced with two ford fiesta electric fans (£10 from a scrap yard) and a thermostat for £15. These rarely come on and the car is a lot quieter now.
2. The radiator water level keeps dropping, but as there are no obvious leaks so I just keep topping it up.
3. The car uses oil especially when cold, but again I just keep topping it up and just mutter Diesel if anyone sees the smoke.
4. Any parts are horrendously expensive and usually have to be ordered through your Vauxhall dealer.
Otherwise the car is great to drive, but you have to keep a eye on your speed as you can go a lot faster than you appear. Likewise when you get back into "normal" cars they feel like go-Karts and you will be tail-gated for going too slow.
Best car I ever Bought!
Derek from Cheshire.